Have you ever wanted to experience cycling Italian-style?
Well now you can!

The Gran Fondo is a type of cycling event created in Italy and it has taken that country by storm, with numerous classic events drawing thousands of riders to take on spectacular and challenging routes. Now this Italian phenomenon is sweeping North America as well and cyclists from all over the continent are scrambling to find openings in these fast-filling events.

Gran Fondo means ” big ride ” or ” great endurance “. These events are different from other recreational rides in that Gran Fondo’s utilize mass starts and chip timing like bike races, so that riders can measure themselves against others or against themselves, as they return year after year for these rewarding challenges. Gran Fondo’s are like great marathons, rich in character and excitement.

Many take on these long rides at a faster pace and with a more competitive approach than they would an organized century ride. Like the big marathons, you’re likely to see racers hammering it while recreational participants push on in costume, reveling in the atmosphere. They’re festive, fun, and can be as competitive as you want, whether that’s not at all or full-on!

Why Gran Fondo Highwood Pass?

Gran Fondo Highwood Pass is a 147 km bike ride created by TransRockies Events.

TransRockies Events is one of North America’s most experienced organizers of EPIC rides.

TRE has utilized Highwood Pass in other events and has routed Gran Fondo Highwood Pass in a way that optimizes the rider’s scenic experience.

Nothing compares to the remote majesty of the Canadian Rockies.  Located SW of Calgary, the Gran Fondo Highwood Pass travels through the heart of the Rockies over the highest road pass in Canada. You’re going to have a truly epic experience, passing through huge mountain ranges and sharing the scenery with wildlife like elk, deer, moose, big horn sheep, and possibly even bear during this wheeled trek.

But this is wild without the roughing it!

Gran Fondo Highwood Pass is a fully supported 147 km ride with stocked checkpoints, a roaming sag wagon, and mechanical support. We’re even throwing a post-ride party in your honour, complete with hearty, replenishing grub and live entertainment. But don’t miss the 10-hour cut-off time, or you’ll miss the party!

With sweeping vistas, jagged glacial peaks, and roaming expanse, this ride is going to become an essential ride for road enthusiasts but in year 1, you’re going to have to hurry. We’ve capped this event at 600 riders and it will fill up FAST. Don’t wait to sign-up or you’ll miss your chance to experience Canada’s greatest Gran Fondo!

Register Today!

We’ve capped registration to 600 riders to maximize support and rider experience. Gran Fondos are very popular events. With this limited field size, space is sure to fill up QUICKLY. Don’t wait to register or you’ll miss out on a fully supported ride over the highest pass in the spectacular Canadian Rockies!

The only distance for Gran Fondo Highwood Pass is 147 km. All riders must complete the ride within the allotted 12-hour time limit. That’s an average pace of about 15 km per hour (9 miles per hour). This time limit was established to accommodate cyclists of all fitness levels. The cut-off pace will allow even the most recreational cyclist to complete the full distance and join the party at Stoney Nakoda Resort.